Prince Deiniol the Blessed
was a saintly man who appears to have already established himself in
Gwynedd in the early 6th century, long before his father, King Dunaut of
the Northern Pennines' defeat and expulsion from Dunoting. Deiniol settled
in Bangor Fawr on the Menai Straits where King Maelgwn of Gwynedd gave him
lands to establish a monastic Cathedral. He later refounded the monastery
at Bangor-Is-y-Coed (upon Dee) under the patronage of his uncle, King
Brochfael Ysgythrog (of the Tusks) of Powys. Deiniol's aging father may
have become Abbot here. Deiniol attended the Synod of Llandewi Brefi where
he was consecrated Bishop of Bangor (Fawr) by St. Dewi (David) himself.
Upon his return, he is said to have founded churches at Llandeiniol in
Dyfed and Llanfor and Llanuwchllyn near Llyn Tegid (Lake Bala). Though he
died at Bangor Fawr on 11th September 584, his body was taken to Ynys
Enlli (Bardsey Island) to be buried. The Cathedral at Bangor (Fawr) is
still dedicated to him today.